Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken strips simmer in a rich, creamy sauce with tangy pepperoncini and roasted red peppers, delivering a delightful balance of heat and creaminess.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 lbs chicken, cut into thin strips
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp ground pepper
• 1 white onion, diced
• 2 tbsp garlic, diced
• ½ cup chicken stock
• ½ cup roasted red pepper, drained and sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, drained (sliced, rings, or whole)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large, heavy pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken strips with sea salt and ground pepper, then add them to the pan.
3. Step 3: Brown the chicken on all sides, turning every couple of minutes, for about 8 minutes total. Remove the chicken from the pan (it may not be fully cooked through, which is okay).
4. Step 4: Add the diced garlic and onion to the pan. Cook and let them brown for about 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken stock and add the roasted red peppers. Let the mixture reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Turn off the heat, then slowly stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, whisking vigorously to combine smoothly.
7. Step 7: Return the heat to medium-high. Add the Italian seasoning, pepperoncini peppers, and the browned chicken back into the pan.
8. Step 8: Let the sauce reduce by half again and cook the chicken fully until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Add more chicken stock if you want a thinner sauce during cooking.
9. Step 9: Remove from heat and serve hot over vegetables, pasta, rice, or enjoy on its own!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian seasoning and a little olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use mild or hot pepperoncini depending on your preferred heat level.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
• Add fresh chopped parsley or basil on top for a bright, fresh finish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thin strips?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but slice them into thin strips or tenders for even cooking. Cooking time may vary slightly.

Are pepperoncini peppers very spicy?

Pepperoncini peppers have a mild to moderate heat with a tangy flavor. If you prefer less heat, rinse them before adding or use fewer peppers.

Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 149 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet is a luscious and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken strips simmered in a rich, tangy cream sauce with garlic, roasted red peppers, and spicy pepperoncini. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this skillet recipe combines buttery sauteed chicken with a vibrant Italian-inspired sauce, ready in under 40 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 2 lbs chicken, cut into thin strips
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp ground pepper
• 2 tbsp butter

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 white onion, diced
• 2 tbsp garlic, diced
• ½ cup roasted red pepper, drained and sliced
• ½ cup pepperoncini peppers, drained (sliced, ring, or whole)

Liquids and Cheese

• ½ cup chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large, heavy pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with sea salt and ground pepper, then add them to the pan. Brown the chicken on all sides by turning every couple of minutes, about 8 minutes total. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. It may not be fully cooked to 165°F at this stage, which is okay.
2. Cook the Aromatics: Add the diced garlic and onion to the pan with the residual butter and chicken juices. Let them brown slightly, approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
3. Add Stock and Roasted Red Peppers: Pour in the chicken stock and add the drained roasted red peppers. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce by half, about 5 minutes. This concentrates the flavors for the sauce.
4. Incorporate Cream and Parmesan: Turn off the heat, then slowly stir in the heavy cream and shredded parmesan cheese. Whisk vigorously as you add the cream to fully combine and create a creamy sauce.
5. Finish the Sauce and Cook Chicken: Return the heat to medium-high. Add the Italian seasoning, pepperoncini peppers, and the browned chicken back into the pan. Let the sauce reduce by half again while bringing the chicken up to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more chicken stock to thin it out as the chicken cooks.
6. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through and coated in the luscious pepperoncini cream sauce, remove the pan from heat. Serve the dish warm over your choice of vegetables, pasta, rice, or enjoy it on its own for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Adjust the amount of pepperoncini peppers depending on your preferred spice level.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
• If the sauce reduces too much and thickens excessively, add extra chicken stock or a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.
• Ensure chicken strips are cut thinly for even cooking.
• This skillet dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or garlic bread.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken, Italian chicken skillet, creamy chicken recipe, pepperoncini chicken, easy skillet dinner